Device for the identification, separation and / or cell type-specific manipulation of at least one cell of a cellular system

Abstract

The invention, in part, relates to devices for the identification, separation, and / or cell type-specific manipulation of at least one cell of a cellular system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention relates to devices for the identification, separation and / or cell type-specific manipulation of at least one cell of a cellular system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Cell cultures play a major role in many areas of the life sciences, especially in biotechnology and biomedical research. Cell cultures are used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases, both in humans and in animals. Due to the growing reservations about animal testing, the establishment of biologically relevant in vitro test systems, and thus cell cultures, is becoming more important. Primary cells are the basis for the development of complex in vitro models and test methods (assays) and therefore offer an excellent alternative to animal testing. The preparation of primary cultures from a tissue sample as well as their further cultivation for experimental purposes represents a major challenge.[0003]For this purpose, the cell type-specific separation of the cells is of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device and method that allows for quick and easy separation and identification of different types of cells in a multi-cell system without damaging the cells or altering the sterile cell culture conditions. This device can also perform manipulation of individual cells, such as transfection or transformation, by targeting specific cell types and frequencies. The device can be easily controlled and attached to a microscope for direct observation of manipulation results. The method can also be used to separate sperm cells based on their genotype or isolate and destroy virus-infected or degenerated cells while leaving the remaining cells unaffected. The device can also improve the uptake of drugs and contrast agents by increasing the permeability of cell membrane without causing unwanted side-effects.

Problems solved by technology

The preparation of primary cultures from a tissue sample as well as their further cultivation for experimental purposes represents a major challenge.

A disadvantage of this technique is that the specific cells must be selectively stained, for example with fluorescent dyes, which is not always possible so that the cells cannot be distinguished from each other.

However, for many cell types, no specific antibodies are available.

This method is also very time consuming and costly.

Furthermore, this method cannot be employed for cells which are not free-floating in a cell culture.

Furthermore, this method is extremely time-consuming.

The cells themselves must be removed from the multi-cell system, so that the sterile cell culture conditions are compromised.

In organisms, this kind of manipulations is often not feasible without fatally damaging the organism.

However, if a certain amplitude of this resonant frequency is exceeded, the cell or microorganism can vibrate so strongly that it is destroyed.

Furthermore, the shock waves penetrate deep into the tissue which can also be damaged.

Images